Metals in Gaseous Fuels

Biogas and renewable natural gas among the fuels addressed by the standard.

Jun 26, 2024

ASTM International’s gaseous fuels committee () has proposed a new standard () for a method for testing metals in gaseous fuels using sorbent tubes. This proposed standard will aid in providing innovative methods for measuring metals in gaseous fuels, such as biogas and renewable natural gas (RNG).

Knowing the metals concentration is important to ensure fuel safety and to monitor the concentration so as not to surpass the maximum level. Several of the metals measured under this standard are classified as priority pollutants by EPA and are generally regarded as deleterious to human health. Concentrations that exceed gas quality specifications or tariff limits affect sales to pipeline operators and utilities.

Jonathan Cross, a member of the committee working on the standard further explained, “the ability to perform accurate analysis of metals in RNG is also critical for producers, utilities, and manufacturers of gas upgrading equipment to assess the efficacy of gas treatment technology in removing metals through the gas upgrading process.”

The proposed standard aligns with 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).